“You watched him come in and stand up before the court and the public and say he did this thing and sign himself up for the responsibility he’s going to get,” said Arapahoe County District Attorney George Brauchler.

Investigators said Donohue had a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit at the time of the crash. Investigators also said that Donohue told them he had consumed two beers, three shots and a large rum and Coke.

Donohue told police he thought he only nicked another car and when he was told that he struck a police officer, he began shaking and put his head into his hands.

Jeremy Bitner, 39, was an eight year veteran of the Englewood Police Department. He left behind a wife and two children.

Officer Jeremy Bitner (credit: Englewood Police Department)

Bitner’s widow appeared in court with officers from the Englewood Police Dept. and family.

“Jeremy I will miss you. I will take care of our children while you are looking down on me and I will love you forever,” said Tina Bitner.

Investigators said that Bitner was carried on the windshield of Donahue’s car for more than 70 feet before falling off. He was investigating another DUI case when he was struck.

Donahue will be sentenced May 31. He could be sentenced to 36 years behind bars.

“Mr. Donahue by all accounts is a person that lived a crime free life up until this moment,” said Brauchler.